Surinder Sharma
Jammu, August 1: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday accused the central government of misusing public welfare funds for arms procurement. Speaking at a public gathering in Jammu on the 26th foundation day of the PDP, Mufti said that funds meant for development, employment, education, and healthcare are being diverted to purchase weapons.
Mufti argued that conflict and war ultimately serve the interests of global arms industries and that regions like Jammu and Kashmir are being turned into battlegrounds to facilitate this agenda. “If a major power wants a war between India and Pakistan, all it takes is one explosion in Kashmir or Jammu. The war begins, and weapons start selling,” she said.
Naming countries such as China, the United States, Israel, and Germany, she alleged that these nations profit from wars, as they are the primary arms exporters. “They can only sell weapons when there is a war between India and Pakistan,” she added.
Criticizing the current national security policies, Mufti said they come at the cost of eradicating poverty and generating employment. “We are feeding 800 million people with free rations, but we are unable to provide them jobs. The same funds could be used to eliminate poverty and unemployment,” she said.
Highlighting the poor condition of public services in Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti pointed to the inadequate infrastructure in schools and hospitals. “There are no teachers or basic facilities in schools. Hospitals lack doctors, medicines, and even fans. This is because a large portion of funds is being spent on weapons,” she stated.
She also referenced Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis and drew a comparison with India’s challenges. “Pakistan is surviving on debt, but we are a bigger country. Yet, our desire for war is pulling us backward. The unresolved issues in Jammu and Kashmir are also contributing to this regression,” she said.
Mufti concluded by recalling her father, former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s belief that peace with Pakistan is essential for progress in Jammu and Kashmir. “He used to say that without peace, we cannot fight poverty or create employment. We won’t be able to provide electricity to everyone,” she said.
